Adjusting expandable rim width using a band

ABSTRACT

A rim for mounting a tire includes a base portion and a rim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment, a first flange segment positioned on one side and a second flange segment positioned on an opposite side of the rim segment. The rim segment defines a circular curvature and has an original rim width measured along a rotation axis of the rim between inward facing surfaces of the first flange segment and the second flange segment. A band is positioned around a circumference of the rim segment contiguous with an inward facing surface of the first flange segment. The rim portion has an adjusted rim width, measured between a band inward facing surface and the inward facing surface of the second flange segment, which is different from the original rim width.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/868,886, filed on Sep. 29, 2015, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/194,861 filed Jul. 21, 2015 andentitled “Expandable Rim Width Insert”, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field relates generally to systems and methods for adjusting a rimwidth of an expandable rim suited for mounting a tire or a casing onto amachine.

BACKGROUND

Retreaded tires provide an economical way to gain additional use fromtire casings after the original tread or retread has become worn.According to a method of retreading sometimes referred to as coldprocess retreading, a worn tire tread and other materials on a used tireare removed to create a buffed, generally textured, treadless surfacealong the circumference of the tire casing to which a new tread may bebonded.

The tire casing may be inspected for injuries, some of which may beskived and filled with a repair gum while others may be severe enough towarrant rejection of the tire casing. After completion of the skivingprocess, the buffed surface may be sprayed with cement that provides atacky surface for application of bonding material and new tread. Next, alayer of cushion gum may be applied to the back, i.e., the insidesurface of a new tread, or alternatively, the layer of cushion gum maybe applied directly to the tacky surface on the tire casing. There areother methods that may eliminate the need for cement or cushion gum. Thecushion gum is a layer of uncured rubber material. The cushion gum andtread may be applied in combination about the circumference of the tirecasing to create a retreaded tire assembly for curing. As analternative, a length of tire tread may be wrapped around the tirecasing with the cushion gum already applied. The cushion gum may formthe bond between the tread and the tire casing during curing.

Certain retreading processes such as the buffing of the tire casing maybe carried out on specialized equipment that rotatably mount the casingonto an expandable rim. The expandable rim may include various sectionsthat move radially outwardly with respect to a central hub to expand toa circumference of the rim and sealably engage the beads of the casing,which is inflated to provide a resilient surface that can be buffed orotherwise processed. The machine may include a rasp that can be appliedto the surface of the tire to remove rubber. Because the circumferenceof a tire casing can more easily be measured by the operator, thedesired final radius of the tire casing may be identified in relation tothe final circumference of the tire.

Expandable rims have a rim width that is fixed for a given machine.However, such fixed widths are not suitable for processing tires orcasings having different widths, thus necessitating the purchase andinstallation of expandable rims having different widths betweenproduction runs of different tires. In some instances, the width of suchrims maybe adjusted by cutting and welding the expandable rims to adjustan initial width of the rim, for example shorten the initial width ofthe rim. This is costly and also permanently changes the width of theexpandable rim so that the rim is no longer usable with tires having awidth equal to the initial width.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments include systems and methods for adjusting a width of arim enabling mounting of tires of various widths on the rim, and inparticular to adjusting a width of an expandable rim by positioning aband around the expandable rim contiguous with a flange segment of therim so that the band has an adjusted rim width different than anoriginal rim width.

In some embodiments, an expandable rim for mounting a tire thereonincludes a base portion including a cylindrical structure and a rimportion. The base portion defines an axial channel therethrough. Arotatable hub is positionable through the axial channel to mount the rimthereon. The rim portion includes a rim segment, a first flange segmentpositioned on one side of the rim segment and a second flange segmentpositioned on an opposite side of the rim segment. The rim segmentdefines a circular curvature. The rim segment has an original rim widthmeasured along a rotation axis of the rim between inward facing surfacesof the first flange segment and the second flange segment. Theexpandable rim is configured so that it may be expanded in a directionperpendicular to the rotation axis of the rim. A band is positionedaround a circumference of the rim segment. The band is positionedcontiguous with an inward facing surface of the first flange segment.The rim portion has an adjusted rim width measured along the rotationaxis between a band inward facing surface and the inward facing surfaceof the second flange segment. The adjusted rim width is different fromthe original rim width.

In some embodiments, a machine for retreading tires includes a hub beingrotatable with respect to the machine. The hub has a generally conicalshape that is moveable axially along a rotation axis. An expandable rimis disposed around the moveable hub. The expandable rim includes aplurality of shoes arranged symmetrically around the hub. Each of theplurality of shoes includes a base portion and a rim portion. The baseportion is positioned on the hub. The rim portion includes a rim segmentand a flange segment on either side of the rim segment. The rim segmenthas an original rim width measured along the rotation axis betweeninward facing surfaces of the flange segments. A belt surrounds each ofthe plurality of shoes. The belt is disposed along the rim segment ofthe plurality of shoes. A band is positioned around a circumference ofthe rim segment on the belt. The band is positioned contiguous with aninward facing surface of the flange segment. The expandable rim isconfigured so that it may be expanded in a direction perpendicular tothe rotation axis of the rim. An adjusted rim width measured along therotation axis between a band inward facing surface and an inward facingsurface of the flange segment at another side of the rim portion isdifferent than the original rim width.

In some embodiments, a method for modifying a width of an expandable rimfor use in a tire retreading machine includes assembling a plurality ofshoes to form a cylindrical rim structure. Each of the plurality ofshoes includes a rim portion and a base portion. The rim portionincludes a rim segment, a first flange segment on one side of the rimsegment and a second flange segment on an opposite side of the rimsegment. The rim segment has an original rim width measured along therotation axis between inward facing surfaces of the first flange segmentand the second flange segment. A band is positioned around acircumference of the cylindrical rim structure on the rim segment ofeach of the plurality of shoes. The band is positioned contiguous withthe first flange segment of each of the plurality of shoes. Theexpandable rim has an adjusted rim width measured along the rotationaxis between a band inward surface and an inward facing surface of thesecond flange segment which is different than the original rim width.

In some embodiments, a process for buffing tires having varying widthsusing a buffing machine including an expandable rim for mounting thetire thereon is provided. The expandable rim includes a base portion anda rim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment and a pair offlange segments positioned orthogonally to the rim segment on eitherside of the rim segment. The expandable rim has an original rim widthmeasured between the flange segments. The process includes the steps ofpositioning a band contiguous with an inward facing surface of any oneof the flange segment of the pair of flange segments. The positioning ofthe band causes the rim segment to have an adjusted rim width measuredbetween a band inward facing surface of the band and an inward facingsurface of the opposite flange segment. A tire having a tire width equalto the adjusted rim width is mounted on the rim segment. A first bead ofthe tire is positioned adjacent to the band inward facing surface and asecond bead of the tire opposite the first bead is positioned adjacentto the inward facing surface of the opposite flange segment. The tire isthe buffed on the buffing machine.

All combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional conceptsdiscussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are notmutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being included within thisdisclosure. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matterappearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as beingincluded within this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will becomemore fully apparent from the following description and appended claims,taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding thatthese drawings depict only several implementations in accordance withthe disclosure and are therefore, not to be considered limiting of itsscope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity anddetail through use of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side cross-section view of a rim having an adjustable rimwidth, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front cross-section of the rim of FIG. 1 taken along theline AA shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a side view of one embodiment of a band, and FIG. 3B is aside view of another embodiment of a band that can be used to adjust awidth of a rim.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a tire buffing machine accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of an expandable rimassembly that can be used in the tire buffing machine of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a shoe which can beincluded in the expandable rim assembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-section of the shoe of FIG. 6 with a belt and aband for adjusting a width of a rim segment of the shoe positionedthereon.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a method formodifying the width of an expandable rim.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a process for buffing a tire,according to an embodiment.

Reference is made to the accompanying drawings throughout the followingdetailed description. In the drawings, similar symbols typicallyidentify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. Theillustrative implementations described in the detailed description,drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other implementationsmay be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing fromthe spirit or scope of the disclosure. It will be readily understoodthat the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally describedherein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted,combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations,all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of thisdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments relate to systems and methods for adjusting a width ofa rim enabling mounting of tires of various width on the rim, and inparticular to adjusting a width of an expandable rim by positioning aband around the rim contiguous with a flange segment of the rim so thatthe band has an adjusted rim width different than an original rim width.

FIG. 1 is a side-cross section and FIG. 2 is a front cross-section of arim 10 which has an adjustable rim width. The rim 10 is configured to bemounted on a rotatable hub (not shown), for example the hub 110 includedin the buffing machine 100 described with respect to FIG. 4. The rim 10includes a base portion 20 and a rim portion 40. The base portion 20includes a generally cylindrical structure defining an axial channel 22therethrough. The rim 10 can be mounted on the hub by inserting the hubthrough the axial channel 22 and securing the hub to an inner surface ofthe axial channel 22. In some embodiments, notches, grooves, indents,mounting apertures, holes, a snap-fit mechanism or any other structurescan be defined on an inner surface of the axial channel 22 for securingthe rim 10 to the hub. Furthermore, fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts,nuts, etc.) can be used to removably couple the rim 10 to the hub.

The rim 10 also includes a rim portion 40 positioned around the baseportion 20. The rim portion 40 includes a rim segment 42, a first flangesegment 44 a and a second flange segment 44 b (collectively referred toherein as “the flange segments 44”) positioned orthogonally on eitherside of the rim segment 42 and extending away from the rim segment 42.The rim segment 42 and the flange segments 44 generally define a U-shapefor securing a tire on the rim segment 20 between the flange segments44. An outer surface or drum surface 45 of the rim segment 42 defines acircular curvature. A generally circular tire can be mounted on the drumsurface 45 of the rim segment 42.

The rim segment 42 has an original rim width W measured along a rotationaxis A_(R) of the rim 10 between inwards facing surfaces of the opposingflange segments 44. The flange segments 44 are configured to abutagainst or be contiguous to at least a portion of edges of a tire havinga tire width approximately equal to the width W between a first inwardfacing surface 47 a of the first flange segment 44 a and a second inwardfacing surface 47 b of the second flange segment 44 b, thereby securelyretaining the tire on the outer surface of the rim segment 42. However,tires having smaller tire widths than the rim width W will not besecurely retained by the flange segments 44, and can slide along therotational axis of the rim 10 along the outer surface 45 of the rimsegment 42 which is undesirable.

A first band 60 a having a first band width W_(B) is positioned aroundthe rim segment 42 of the rim portion 40. The first band 60 a ispositioned contiguous to the first inward surface 47 a of the firstflange segment 44 a, but in some embodiments, the first band 60 a can bepositioned contiguous to the second inward facing surface 47 b of thesecond flange segment 44 b. After the positioning of the first band 60a, the rim segment has an adjusted rim width W′ measured between a firstband inward facing surface and the second inward facing surface 47 b ofthe second flange segment 44 b which is different, for example smallerthan the original rim width W.

The adjusted rim width W′ can be substantially similar to the width of atire which has a smaller rim width than the original rim width W. Thisallows a tire having a smaller width than the original rim width W to bemounted on the rim by securing between the first band 60 a and thesecond flange segment 44 b. The first band width W_(B) can be adjustedor varied to accommodate tires having a range of widths. In someembodiments, the first band 60 a has a first band thickness T1 equal toa distance H between a top edge 48 a of the first flange segment 44 aand the drum surface 45 of the rim segment 42. That is the first band 60a extends from the drum surface 45 to the top edge 48 a of the firstflange segment 44 a.

In some embodiments, a second band 60 b can also be positioned aroundthe rim segment 42 of the rim portion 40. The second band 60 b can besubstantially similar to the first band 60 a. In some embodiments, thesecond band 60 b is positioned contiguous to the inward facing surface47 b of the second flange segment 44 b. The adjusted rim width W′ isthen measured along the rotation axis of the rim 10 between a first bandinward facing surface of the first band 60 a and a second band inwardfacing surface of the second band 60 b.

Each of the first band 60 a and the second band 60 b are unattached tothe first flange segment 44 a and the second band segment 44 b i.e., arenot coupled using any coupling mechanism (e.g., fasteners such as bolts,screws, etc.) to the flange segments 44 or rim segment 42. The firstband 60 a and the second band 60 b can be formed from stretchablematerials (e.g., include the band 160 as described herein) andconfigured to exert a compressive force on the rim segment 42 to retainthe first band 60 a and the second band 60 b thereon. Furthermore, theflange segments 44 also serve as barriers for the first band 60 a andthe second band 60 b preventing the first band 60 a and the second band60 b from slipping off the rim segment 42, thereby retaining the firstband 60 a and the second band 60 b on the rim segment 42.

In some embodiments, the rim 10 can include an expandable rim (e.g., theexpandable rim 200 described with respect to FIGS. 5-7). In someembodiments, the expandable rim 10 includes a plurality of shoes (e.g.,the shoes 200 or 300 described with respect to FIGS. 5 to 7) configuredto be positioned symmetrically around the hub to form a cylindrical rimstructure. Each of the plurality of shoes define a segment of the baseportion 20 and the rim portion 40 which includes the rim segment 42 andthe flange segment 44, as described before herein. Each shoe has acircular curvature such that when the shoes are symmetrically positionedaround the hub, each shoe defines a segment of the circular curvature ofthe rim segment 42. In some embodiments, the first band 60 a and/or thesecond band 60 b is positioned on the rim segment of each of theplurality of shoes and adjacent to a flange segment of each of theplurality of shoes. Each shoe is radially displaceable relative to thehub, thereby adjusting a diameter of the rim 10.

In some embodiments, a belt 70 or skirt can be positioned around thecircumference of the expandable rim 10 on the rim segment of each of theplurality of shoes. The belt 70 can have a width equal to the width ofthe rim segment of each of the plurality of shoes and thereby, the rimsegment of the expandable rim 10. The belt 70 is configured to retaineach of the plurality of shoes on the hub. For example, the belt 70 canbe formed from a stretchable or elastic material and configured to exerta radially inward force on each of the plurality of shoes relative tothe hub. The belt 70 therefore retains each of the plurality of shoes onthe hub, but is stretchable to allow the shoes to be radially displacedoutward relative to the hub, thereby allowing adjustment (e.g.,increase) of the diameter of the rim 10 (i.e., allowing expansion of therim). In some embodiments, the belt 70 is configured to a form a sealingcontact with a tire positioned on the rim segment 42, thereby allowingair to be filled and retained within the tire.

The belt 70 has a thickness T2 which is substantially smaller than thedistance H between the drum surface 45 of the rim segment 42 and the topedge (e.g., the top edge 48 a of the first flange segment 44 a) of theflange segments 44. In some embodiments, the first band 60 a and/or thesecond band 60 b are positioned around the rim segment 42 on the belt 70and in contact with a belt outer surface 75 which faces away from thedrum outer surface 45. Furthermore, a thickness T1 of the first band 60a and/or the second band 60 b can be equal to a distance measured fromthe top edge (e.g., the top edge 48 a of the first flange segment 40 a)of the flange segments 44 to the belt outer surface 75. In someembodiments, the belt 70 has a belt width less than the original rimwidth and the first band 60 a and/or the second band 60 b are positionedadjacent to the belt 70 on the drum surface 45.

Other suitable bands can be positioned around the rim segment 42 of therim 10 to adjust the original rim width. For example, FIG. 3A shows aside view of a band 160 according to an embodiment. The band 160 can beused as the first band 60 a, the second band 60 b or any other banddescribed herein. The band 160 can include a continuous circular ringwhich is positioned circumferentially on a rim segment of a rim (e.g.,the rim segment 42 of the rim 10) as described herein. In someembodiments, the band 160 can be formed from a stretchable material, forexample rubber, vulcanized rubber, silicone, a molded polymer or anyother suitable stretchable and strong material. The band 160 can bestretched radially outwards and over the first flange segment 44 a toposition the band 160 on the rim segment of the rim (e.g., the rimsegment 42 of the rim 40) or otherwise a belt (e.g., the belt 70)positioned on the rim segment. In some embodiments in which the rimincludes an expandable rim, the position of the band 160 is performedwhile the expandable rim is in an unexpanded configuration. In someembodiments, the band 160 is positioned on the expandable rim once theexpandable rim is in its expanded configuration. Expanding of the rim toa larger diameter also stretches the band so that the band continues tobe retained on the rim segment of the rim while allowing the expandablerim to expand. In some embodiments, the band 160 is stretchable to allowa change in an initial diameter of the band by 1 inches, 2 inches, 3inches, 4 inches or 5 inches inclusive of all ranges and valuestherebetween. The band may be configured such that its initial smallerdiameter may be increased to a larger diameter while still maintainingsubstantially the same wall thickness or reducing the rim width by apredetermined amount.

FIG. 3B is a side view of a band 260 according to an embodiment whichcan be used to adjust the width of a rim segment of a rim, for examplethe rim 10. The band 260 includes a plurality of band segments 262 whichcan be positioned around the circumference of a rim (e.g., the rim 10).Each of the plurality of band segments 262 can define a circularcurvature corresponding to the circular curvature of the rim segment(e.g., the rim segment 42 of the rim 10). Each of the plurality of bandsegments 262 are configured to be positioned on a segment of thecircumference of the rim segment. For example, the rim can include anexpandable rim including a plurality of shoes (e.g., the plurality ofshoes 202 or 300), and each of the plurality of band segments 262 andcan have an arc length which is smaller or equal to an arc length ofeach shoe of the plurality of shoes.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of band segments 262 can have thesame circular curvature as the rim segment of each of the plurality ofshoes. It should be appreciated that while FIG. 3B shows the pluralityof band segments 262 positioned adjacent to each other with a gaptherebetween, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of bandsegments 262 can define an arc length so that each of the plurality ofband segments 262 abut against an adjacent band segment 262, for examplewhen the plurality of band segments 262 are positioned on an expandablerim in its unexpanded configuration. Any number of band segments 262 canbe included in the band 260, for example 6, 8, 10, 12 or even more. Insome embodiments, the number of band segments 262 corresponds to anumber of shoes included in an expandable rim (e.g., the shoes 202included in the expandable rim 200). Furthermore, the band 260 can bepositioned on an expandable rim in its expanded or unexpandedconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the band segments 262 can be formed from aninelastic material such as metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum),plastics, rigid rubber, polymers, etc. Each of the plurality of bandsegments 262 are securely retained on the rim segment via a retainingmember 264 can include, for example an O-ring, a garter spring, a bandclamp or any other retaining member. The retaining member 264 isconfigured to retain or otherwise maintain the plurality of bandsegments 262 positioned around the circumference of the rim.

In some embodiments, each band segment 262 can be linked or coupled toan adjacent band segment 262 by a stretchable member (e.g., a rubberstring or cord, a bungee cord, a spring, etc.) positioned on an end ofthe adjacent band segments 262. In some embodiments, the stretchablemember can be positioned through a channel (not shown) defined througheach of the band segments 262. In some embodiments, the stretchablemember operatively couples the plurality of band segments 262 whileallowing the band segments 262 to be radially displaced outwardlyrelative to each other for positioning or mounting on the rim segment ofthe rim, as described herein. Once mounted the stretchable member exertsa radially inward force on each of the band segments 262 to urge theband segments 262 towards the rim, thereby retaining each of the bandsegments 262 on the rim. In this manner, some embodiments permit thewall thickness to remain substantially the same (for reducing the rimwidth) while the rim is expanded from a smaller diameter to a largerdiameter.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a buffing machine 100 having atire 102 mounted on a rotating, expandable rim 104. As shown, themachine 100 may be a standalone, dedicated machine for buffing tiresprior to a retreading operation, or may alternatively be part of aretreading machine that can perform other operations, such as installinga new tread onto the casing.

During operation, the expandable rim 104 and tire 102 rotate at aconstant angular rate of rotation, for example, 60-90 revolutions perminute (RPM), but may also rotate at a variable speed. An electric motor106 is connected to a hub 108 of the expandable rim 104 to provide therotation of the tire 102, but any other type of rotary actuator may beused, such as hydraulically or pneumatically powered motors, or evenmechanical arrangements providing a rotating output. As shown, the hub108 includes timing features that are picked up by an angulardisplacement encoder 110 associated with the machine 100. A controlsignal of the motor 106 may be provided by an electronic controller 112via a motor control conduit 114, while information indicative of therotation of the hub 108 may be provided to the controller 112 by theencoder 110 via a tire rotation information conduit 116.

The machine 100 further includes a buffing tool or rasp 118. The rasp118 may be any device capable of cutting material from the tire 102 asit rotates. In an embodiment, the rasp 118, can include a laminatedsteel drum having saw teeth arranged around its outer cylindricalsurface.

Although many configurations are possible, the rasp 118 is connected tothe machine 100 at the end of an arm 122. A rasp rpm sensor 132 iscommunicatively coupled to the rasp motor 130 and the electroniccontroller 112 via rasp rpm conduit 134, and configured to provideinformation on rasp 118 rotational speed to the electronic controller112. The position of the arm 122 and of the rasp 118 relative to thetire 102 can be adjusted by a rasp actuator 124. The rasp actuator 124positions a rasp head to sweep a circular arc across a face of the tire102 at a defined radius. A force thus derived is caused by theinterference between the a face of the rasp 118 and the circumference ofthe tire 102 being buffed. There are other arrangements of the arm 122,rasp actuator 124, and other parts of the cutting assembly that areknown in the art and incorporated herein. This pressing or normal forceeffects removal of material from the tire 102 and is carried out inresponse to command signals provided by the electronic controller 112via a rasp actuator control conduit 125. In FIG. 4, an outercircumference 126 of the tire 102 is illustrated by dashed line. In thatsame figure, a cutting depth 128, which is located radially inward fromthe outer circumference 126 relative to a center of the tire 102, isshown in dash-dot-dashed line.

The electronic controller 112 is communicatively coupled to an operationpanel 142 via an input panel conduit 148. The input panel 142 includesan input device 146 (e.g., an alphanumeric keyboard, switches, buttons,etc.) and a display 144. A user can input commands, for example rasp 118cutting depth, tire rotation speed, tread pattern, etc. via the inputdevice 146. A cutting depth sensor 136 which can include a smallrotatable wheel is positioned in contact with an outer surface of thetire 102 via a depth sensor mounting arm 138. The cutting depth sensor136 is communicatively coupled to the electronic controller 112 viadepth sensor conduit 140. While various sensors included in the buffingmachine 100 are depicted as communicatively coupled to the electroniccontroller 112 via conduits, in some embodiments, each of the sensors,input panel 142 or otherwise electronic components can be wirelesslycoupled to the electronic controller 112 (e.g., via Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi,or any other wireless communication protocol).

During a cutting operation, the rasp 118 is driven by a rasp motor 130in a counter-rotational direction relative to the tire 102. The motor130 is controlled and monitored by the electronic controller 112 througha motor control conduit 131. When the rasp 118 is in position at thecutting depth 128 and the rasp motor 130 is operating, material isremoved from the outer portion of the tire 102 as the teeth or othercutting mechanism of the rasp 118 are pressed against the outercircumference 126 of the tire. To prevent rotation and to retain thetire 102 firmly on the expandable rim 104 during the cutting operation,the expandable rim 104 is placed in an expanded position such that arubber skirt or belt (not shown) placed around an outer rim thereofsealably engages a bead of the tire 102 to seal the inner cavity of thetire 102 and inflate the tire 102 when air is pumped in its interior.The expandable rim 104 also laterally engages the bead of the tire 102to ensure that the tire 102 maintains a proper inflated shape and issecurely retained by the expandable rim 104 during the variousoperations that are performed on the tire 102.

An exploded view of an expandable rim assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 5.The expandable rim assembly 200 may be associated with a machine (e.g.,the buffing machine 100) in much the same way as the expandable rim 104described above and shown in FIG. 4. The expandable rim assembly 200 isconfigured for use with a hub (e.g., the hub 108), which includessurfaces that push radially ramped portions of a plurality of shoes 202that make up the expandable rim 200 radially outward, thus pushing themapart to expand the rim assembly 200.

In the embodiment, the expandable rim assembly 200 includes theplurality of segmented shoes 202 that together, form a cylindrical rimstructure 204. Each of the plurality of segmented shoes 202 extends overan angle around the cylindrical rim structure 204. As shown in FIG. 5,expandable rim includes twelve shoes 202 forming cylindrical structure204 and the angle is about 30 degrees, but other angles and number ofshoes can be used. Radially extending slits 206 extending through thecylindrical rim structure 204 result at the interfaces between adjacentshoes 202. Each slit 206 is covered by a respective support plate 208,which has a generally curved shape that is consistent with an outer drumsurface 210 of the cylindrical rim structure 204. In the embodimentshown, each support plate 208 forms two posts 212, each of which locatesthe support plate 208 on the outer surface 210 of the cylindricalstructure 204 (also referred to herein as “drum surface 210”) by beinginserted into a corresponding opening 214 formed by shallow cutouts ordetents in the edges of the shoes 202 along the slits 206.

A belt or skirt 216 having a generally cylindrical shape is placedaround and covers the outer drum surface 210 of the cylindrical rimstructure 204. One or more (two shown) air conduits 220 providecompressed air to and from a nipple 222 through a series of alignedopenings along an air path 224 to an air nozzle 226 that is connected tothe belt 216 and disposed within the interior of a tire (e.g., the tire102) when the tire is mounted onto the expandable rim assembly 200. Inthis way, the tire can be inflated and deflated, as desired, byproviding or evacuating air to/from the air nozzle 226. Bolts 228 thatengage nuts 230, or a different fastening arrangement, can be used toretain the belt 216 around the cylindrical rim structure 204 such thatthe belt 216 is prevented from rotating relative to the cylindrical rimstructure 204 and the shoes 202 are held together.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a shoe 300 and FIG. 7 is a sidecross-section thereof. The shoe 300 is suitable for use in an expandablerim, for example, in place of one or each of the shoes 202 that make upthe expandable rim assembly 200 shown in FIG. 5 and described above. Theshoe 300 includes a base portion 302, which is sometimes referred to asthe shank and which is generally plate-shaped, and a rim portion 304,which defines a circular segment of an expandable rim. The rim portion304 includes a rim segment 306 and a flange segment 308, which togetherform a structure having a generally U-shaped cross section, into which atire is accommodated, in the known fashion. The rim segment 306 includesa drum surface 310 onto which other structures may be disposed such as,for example, the support plates 208 and/or portions of the inner belt216, when the shoe 300 has been assembled into an expandable rimassembly such as the expandable rim assembly 200 (FIG. 5).

At the radially inward part of the shoe 300, on the end of the baseportion 302, various features are formed that facilitate the mounting,retention, and relative motion of the shoe 300 with respect to a conicalhub (e.g., the hub 108) around which the shoes 300 are positioned, whenthe rim is expanding or contracting during operation. It should beappreciated that although the interface features shown may be commonacross different expandable rim assemblies, other features than thoseshown here can be used. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7,the end of the base portion 302 that is the furthest away from the rimportion 304 forms a step 312 that is disposed next to a notch 314. Aramp 316 formed at the bottom of a V-shaped channel 318 extends awayfrom the end of the base portion 302, towards the rim portion 304, in adirection away from the step 312 along the bottom edge of the baseportion 302. When the shoe 300 is assembled into an expandable rimassembly, for example, the expandable rim assembly 200 (FIG. 5), theramp 316 and channel 318 matingly and slidably engage a rib 322 of aconical hub 324 that actuates the shoe 300 in the known fashion.

A perspective view of the shoe 300 with a portion of a set of bands 412configured to be positioned adjacent to opposing flange segments 308 ofthe shoe 300, is shown in FIG. 6. The bands 412 can include a continuouscircular ring (e.g., the band 160) configured to be positioned aroundthe cylindrical rim structure (e.g., the cylindrical rim structure 204)formed by the plurality of shoes 300 positioned adjacent to each other.In some embodiments, the bands 412 can include a plurality of bandsegments (e.g., the plurality of band segments 262) having an annularshape and a curvature that matches the curvature of the inside face 420of each flange segment 308.

In some embodiments, the set of bands 412, for example, a circular ringor a band segment forming each of the set bands 412 has a rectangularcross section. The bands 412 have a bottom surface 432 and a top surface434 such that the curvature of the bottom surface 432 is generallyconcentric with the curvature of the top surface 434. The bands 412extend over the same circular segment of the shoe 300 they are installedon to preserve unobstructed operation of the expandable rim assembly,for example, the assembly 200 discussed above. In some embodiments, thebands 412 can be formed from a stretchable material (e.g., rubber,vulcanized rubber, silicone rubber, polymers etc.) such that the bands412 exert an inwardly radial force on the rim assembly which retains thebands 412 on the rim assembly. In embodiments in which the bands 412include a plurality of band segments (e.g., the band segments 262), aretaining member, for example an O-ring, a garter spring, or a bandclamp (e.g., the retaining member 264) can be positioned around the bandsegments. The retaining member exerts an inward radial force on theplurality of band segments thereby, retaining the band segments formingthe bands 412 on the rim assembly. Each band segment can have an arclength equal or substantially equal to of an arc length of the rimsegment 306 of the rim portion 304 of each shoe 300 (e.g., within +/−5%of the arc length of the each shoe 300).

Each of the bands 412 are unattached to the flange segments 308 i.e.,are not coupled using any coupling mechanism (e.g., fasteners such asbolts, screws, etc.) to the flange segments 308 or rim segment 306. Forexample, the bands 412 can be formed from stretchable materials (e.g.,include the band 160 as described herein) and configured to exert acompressive force on the rim segment 306 to retain the bands 412thereon. Furthermore, the flange segments 308 also serve as barriers forthe bands 412 preventing the bands 412 from slipping off the rim segment306, thereby retaining the bands 412 thereon.

In some embodiments, the bands 412 can be positioned over a belt 216disposed around the plurality of shoes 300, as shown in FIG. 7, whichcan be assembled to form a rim, for example expandable rim assembly 200.In some embodiments, a height H of the band 412 can extend from an outersurface of the belt disposed over the rim segment to a top edge of theflange segments 308. Alternatively, the bottom surface 432 of the insert412 may have a height H extending from the drum surface 310 to the topedge of the flanges segments 308 and provide a flush contact between thebottom surface 432 of the bands 412 and the drum surface 310. In thisalternate configuration, the bands 412 can be positioned adjacent thebelt 216.

In some embodiments in which the bands 412 include a plurality of bandsegments 412 a wall thickness T of each of the band segments 412, whichis measured as a distance between each band segment 412 extends from theinside face 420 of the respective flange segment 308 contiguous to whichthe band segment 412 is positioned to, is the same for the band segments412 positioned contiguous to all of the shoes 300 for a given expandablerim assembly 200, such that a width of the drum surface 310 thataccommodates the bead of a tire is reduced. Similarly, a height H of theband or band segment 412, as measured by how far the band 412 extendsfrom the top surface 434 towards the drum surface 310, can have anyheight sufficient to laterally retain the bead and/or sidewall of thetire or casing disposed between the bands 412 while still allowing theinsertion and removal of the tire or casing onto the expandable rimassembly. For illustration, the height can be at minimum, the distancefrom the top surface 326 of the flange segment 308 to a clearance abovethe belt 216 and at maximum, the distance that the flange segment 308extends radially from the drum surface 310 so that normal or expectedoperation of the expandable rim is not affected. Other heights may alsobe used.

The bands 412 can be made from a stretchable material which can beradially expanded outwardly for positioning over the drum surface 310 orthe belt 216 positioned over the drum surface 310 of the rim portion304. Once positioned the band 412 exerts an inwardly radial forcedirected towards the drum surface 310, thereby securing the band 412 onthe drum surface 310. In some embodiments in which the band 412 includesa plurality of band segments 412, the band segments 412 can be made fromplastic, steel, aluminum, rubber, vulcanized rubber or any othersuitable material. The plurality of band segments 412 can be retained onthe drum portion 410 of the rim portion 304 via a retaining memberpositioned over the band segments, as described before. Once positioned,the bands 412 modify the original rim width W, which extends betweeninward facing surfaces of the flange segments 308, to a new shorteradjusted rim width W′, which extends between band inward facing surfacesof the bands 412. The bands 412 can be positioned on the drum surface310 or otherwise the belt 216 positioned on the drum surface 310 whilethe rim is in in its unexpanded or expanded configuration or position,as described before herein. The bands may be configured such that theexpansion does not substantially alter (e.g., decrease) the wallthickness of the bands, thereby curtailing variations in the width W′ asthe rim is expanded.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 500 of modifying an original rim widthof an expandable rim according to an embodiment. The method 500 includesassembling a plurality of shoes at 502. Each of the plurality of shoesincludes a rim portion. Each rim portion includes a rim segment with afirst flange segment positioned on one side and a second flange segmentpositioned opposite the first flange segment. For example, the pluralityof shoes can include the shoes 200 or 300 described before herein whichare assembled on a hub, e.g., the hub 108, as described in detail withrespect to FIGS. 4-7. The rim portion has an original rim width measuredbetween inward facing surfaces of opposing flange segments of each ofthe plurality shoes.

In some embodiments, a belt is positioned around the shoes to retain theshoes in the cylindrical rim structure at 504. For example, the belt 216is positioned on the plurality of shoes 202 included in rim 200, asdescribed before herein. A band is positioned around a circumference ofthe cylindrical rim structure on a rim segment of the plurality of shoesat 506. For example, the band 412 is positioned on the cylindrical rimstructure formed by assembling the plurality of shoes 300 on the beltpositioned on the rim segment or adjacent to the belt on the drumsurface 310 of the rim segment 306 of the plurality of shoes 300. Theband 412 is positioned contiguous to a first flange segment (e.g., theflange segment 308 of each of the plurality of shoes 300). Bypositioning the band on the rim portion, the rim portion has an adjustedrim width measured between a band inward facing surface of the band andthe inward facing surface of the opposite flange segment which is lessthan the original rim width. This allows a tire having width smallerthan the original rim width to be securely mounted on the rim, asdescribed herein.

In some embodiments, a second band is positioned around a circumferenceof the cylindrical rim structure on the rim segment of the plurality ofshoes at 508. The second band is positioned contiguous to the secondflange segment of the rim portion. In some embodiments, the adjusted rimwidth is measured between a first band inward facing surfaces and asecond band inward facing surface. Positioning of two bands allowscentering of the tire on the rim segment, for example to center the tirerelative to a hub on which the tire is mounted and/or a rasp used tobuff the tire, eliminate any wobbling or undue vibrations that might beencountered if the tire is not centered on the rim.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flow diagram of a process 600 for buffing tireshaving varying widths using a buffing machine. The buffing machine(e.g., the buffing machine 100) includes a hub (e.g., the hub 108) andan expandable rim (e.g., the expandable rim 104 or 200). The expandablerim includes a base portion configured to be mounted on the hub, and arim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment and a pair of flangesegments positioned orthogonally to the rim segment on either side ofthe rim segment. The expandable rim has an original rim width measuredbetween the flange segments.

The process 600 includes positioning a band contiguous with an inwardfacing surface of any one of the flange segment of the pair of flangesegments at 602. The positioning of the band (e.g., the band 60 a, 60 b,160, 260, 412 or any other band described herein) causes the rim segmentto have an adjusted rim width measured between a band inward facingsurface of the band and an inward facing surface of the opposite flangesegment. In some embodiments, the band can include a stretchable orotherwise elastic band (e.g., a rubber band) which is stretched over theflange segment of expandable rim with the expandable rim in an initialunexpanded configuration, and positioned on a drum surface of the rimsegment. In some embodiments, a belt is positioned on the drum surfaceof the rim segment as described herein, and the band is positioned on anouter surface of the belt.

A tire having a tire width equal to the adjusted rim width is mounted onthe rim segment of the expandable rim at 604. For example, the tire ispositioned on the expandable rim with the expandable rim being in theunexpanded configuration. The expandable rim is then expanded to securethe tire on the rim segment. During such expansion, the rim widthremains substantially the same with the thickness of the band remainingsubstantially the same as the expandable rim is moved from theunexpanded to the expanded configuration. The belt which can bepositioned on the drum surface can contact a first bead and a secondbead of the tire opposite the first bead to form an air tight sealbetween the belt and the tire. Air can then be filled in the tire usingany suitable means.

The first bead of the tire is positioned adjacent to the band inwardfacing surface and a second bead of the tire is positioned adjacent tothe inward facing surface of the opposite flange segment. Thus a tirehaving a tire width less than the original rim width is secured on therim segment by adjusting the rim width. The tire is buffed on thebuffing machine at 606, for example as described with respect to thebuffing machine 100. In some embodiments, the band is a first band and asecond band is positioned contiguous with the inward facing surface ofthe opposite flange segment. In some embodiments, the adjusted rim widthis measured between a first band inward facing surface and a second bandinward facing surface. Positioning a band adjacent to each of the pairof flange segments allows the tire to be mounted substantially centeredon the rim segment of the expandable rim.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing embodiments (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of valuesherein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referringindividually to each separate value falling within the range, unlessotherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated intothe specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methodsdescribed herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwiseindicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The useof any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”)provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unlessotherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice ofthe invention

It should be noted that the term “example” as used herein to describesome embodiments is intended to indicate that some embodiments arepossible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possibleembodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that someembodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean thejoining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Suchjoining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removableor releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or thetwo members and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two membersor the two members and any additional intermediate members beingattached to one another.

Some embodiments are described herein. Variations of those embodimentsmay become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon readingthe foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans toemploy such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for theembodiments to be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein. Accordingly, embodiments include all modifications andequivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended heretoas permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of theabove-described elements in all possible variations thereof isencompassed by the embodiments unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of thevarious embodiments are illustrative only. Although some embodimentshave been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in theart who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of thisdisclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations. Certain featuresdescribed in this specification in the context of separateimplementations can also be implemented in combination in a singleimplementation. Conversely, various features described in the context ofa single implementation can also be implemented in multipleimplementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

What is claimed is:
 1. An expandable rim for mounting a tire thereon,comprising: a plurality of shoes arranged circumferentially, each of theplurality of shoes defining a rim portion; each rim portion including arim segment, a first flange segment positioned on one side of the rimsegment and a second flange segment positioned on an opposite side ofthe rim segment, the rim segment defining a circular curvature, the rimsegment having an original rim width measured between inward facingsurfaces of the first flange segment and the second flange segment; aband positioned around a circumference of the rim portion, the bandretained on the rim segment by an inward surface of the first flangesegment, the band exerting a radially inward compressive force on theposition around the circumference of the rim portion to retain the bandthereon, a band inward facing surface of the band configured tointerface with a first bead of the tire when the tire is filled withair; and a belt positioned around the rim portion, the belt having awidth equal to the original rim width of the rim segment and the beltconfigured to form a sealing contact with the first bead and a secondbead of the tire to allow air to be filled and retained within the tirewhen the second bead interfaces with the second flange segment; whereinthe rim portion has an adjusted rim width between the band inward facingsurface and the inward facing surface of the second flange segment, theadjusted rim width less than the original rim width, and the inwardfacing surface of the second flange segment configured to interface withthe second bead of the tire when the tire is filled with air.
 2. Theexpandable rim of claim 1, wherein the band is a first band, theexpandable rim further comprising: a second band positioned around thecircumference of the rim portion, the second band retained on the rimsegment by an inward surface of the second flange segment, the secondband exerting a radially inward compressive force on the position aroundthe circumference of the rim portion to retain the second band thereon,wherein the adjusted rim width is measured between inward facingsurfaces of the first band and the second band.
 3. The expandable rim ofclaim 1, wherein the band has a band height equal to a distance betweena top edge of the flange segment and a drum surface of the rim segment.4. The expandable rim of claim 1 wherein the belt is positioned betweenthe band and a drum surface of the rim segment.
 5. The rim of claim 1,wherein the band is a continuous circular ring.
 6. The rim of claim 1,wherein the band is formed from a stretchable material.
 7. The rim ofclaim 6, wherein the stretchable material comprises a molded polymer. 8.The expandable rim of claim 1, wherein the band is a first band, theexpandable rim further comprising: a second band positioned around thecircumference of the rim portion between the first band and the firstflange segment, the second band retained on the rim segment by an inwardsurface of the first flange segment, wherein the adjusted rim width ismeasured between the first band inward facing surface the inward facingsurface of the second flange segment.
 9. A machine comprising: anexpandable rim including a plurality of shoes arrangedcircumferentially, each of the plurality of shoes including a rimsegment, a first set of flange segments, and a second set of flangesegments, each of the first set of flange segments and each of thesecond set of flange segments on opposite sides of the rim segment, therim segment having an original rim width between inward facing surfacesof the first set of flange segments and the second set of flangesegments; a band positioned around a circumference of the rim segmentsof the plurality of shoes and rotatable circumferentially relative tothe rim segments of the plurality of shoes, the band axiallypositionable away from the first set of flange segments and the secondset of flange segments, the band exerting a radially inward compressiveforce on a position around the circumference of the rim portion toretain the band thereon, the band is sufficiently secure to the rimportion to provide axial pressure to a first bead of a tire; and a beltpositioned around the rim portion, the belt having a width equal to theoriginal rim width of the rim segment and the belt configured to form asealing contact with the first bead and a second bead of the tire toallow air to be filled and retained within the tire; wherein the banddefines an adjusted rim width between a band inward facing surface ofthe band and an inward facing surface of the second set of flangesegments, the adjusted rim width is less than the original rim width.10. The machine of claim 9, wherein the band is a first band, themachine further comprising: a second band positioned around thecircumference of the rim segments of the plurality of shoes, the secondband axially positionable between the first band and the second set offlange segments, the second band exerting a radially inward compressiveforce on the position around the circumference of the rim portion toretain the second band thereon, the band sufficiently secure to the rimportion to provide axial pressure to the second bead; wherein the firstband and the second band define the adjusted rim width.
 11. The machineof claim 9, wherein the band extends from adjacent a top surface of theflange segment to a drum surface of the expandable rim.
 12. The machineof claim 9, wherein the band is formed from a stretchable material. 13.The machine of claim 9, wherein the belt is disposed along the rimsegment of the plurality of shoes between a drum surface of theexpandable rim and the band.
 14. The machine of claim 13, wherein theband extends from adjacent a top surface of the flange segment to anouter surface of the belt.
 15. A method comprising: assembling aplurality of shoes to form a cylindrical rim structure of an expandablerim, each of the plurality of shoes including a rim segment, a firstflange segment on a first side of the rim segment and a second flangesegment on a second side of the rim segment opposite the first side, therim segment defining an original rim width measured between inwardfacing surfaces of the first flange segment and the second flangesegment; positioning a band having a rectangular cross-section around acircumference of the cylindrical rim structure to contact an inwardsurface of the first flange segment, the band exerting a radially inwardcompressive force on the position around the circumference of the rimportion to retain the band thereon, the band biased toward the firstflange segment by a first bead of the tire when the tire is filled withair; and positioning a belt around a circumference of the cylindricalrim structure, the belt having a width equal to the original rim widthof the rim segment and the belt configured to form a sealing contactwith the first bead and a second bead of the tire to allow air to befilled and retained within the tire; wherein the expandable rim has anadjusted rim width measured between a band inward facing surface of theband and an inward facing surface of the second flange segment, theinward facing surface of the second flange segment configured tointerface with the second bead of the tire when the tire is filled withair, the adjusted rim width less than the original rim width.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the band is a first band, the method furthercomprising: positioning a second band around the circumference of thecylindrical rim structure opposite the first band and adjacent thesecond flange segment, the second band adjacent to and contacting aninward surface of the second flange segment, the second band exerting aradially inward compressive force on the position around thecircumference of the rim portion to retain the second band thereon,wherein the adjusted rim width is measured between a first band inwardfacing surface of the first band and a second band inward facing surfaceof the second band.
 17. The method of claim 15 further comprising:expanding a diameter of the cylindrical rim structure of the expandablerim.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the band is formed from astretchable material.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the band is afirst band and the adjusted rim width is a first adjusted rim width, themethod further comprising: positioning a second band around thecircumference of the cylindrical rim structure between the first bandand the second set of flange segments, the second band configured tointerface with the first bead and configured to be biased toward thefirst band when the tire is filled with air; wherein the expandable rimhas a second adjusted rim width measured between a second band inwardfacing surface of the second band and an inward facing surface of thesecond set of flange segments, the second adjusted rim width less thanthe first adjusted rim width.